As holiday shopping ramps up, consumers are looking for ways to avoid overspending and falling into debt.
Consumer savings expert Andrea Woroch offers budgeting tips to help shoppers manage their holiday expenses effectively.
“There are plenty of consumers out there who overspend or don’t have a plan and then take on debt without knowing that’s going to happen,” Woroch explains.
Woroch suggests writing out a gift list and setting a budget per person to keep spending under control. She recommends using technology to track purchases, such as the ‘Santa’s Bag’ app, which helps tally the amount spent and curb impulse buys.
Another strategy Woroch advocates is signing up for loyalty programs that offer discounts or money back on future purchases. These programs reward customers for their business and can lead to significant savings.
For online shopping, Woroch recommends using reward tools like Fetch Shop, a web extension that gives points for purchases. These points can be redeemed for gift cards from major retailers, providing additional savings.
Woroch also highlights the importance of considering non-gift holiday expenses, such as wrapping paper, decorations, and groceries. Last year, the average American spent $387 on such items, according to The Conference Board’s 2024 Holiday Survey.
To save on these expenses, Woroch suggests shopping at local dollar stores for deals on wrap, bags, and grocery staples. She also notes that holiday items often go on steep discount after December 26th, offering a smart opportunity to prepare for next year.
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